CBSE Class 12 English Sample Papers With Solutions – Free PDF Download

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Preparing for the CBSE Class 12 English Board Exam becomes much easier when you practice with the official sample papers released by CBSE. These sample papers are designed by the Board itself and set according to the latest exam pattern and marking scheme. Practicing them regularly is one of the best ways to score well in English.

In this post, we are providing CBSE Class 12 English Sample Papers with Solutions in PDF format for free download. Students can directly download and start practicing.

CBSE Class 12 English Exam Overview

Particulars	Details
Board	Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Class	12
Subject	English (Core)
Maximum Marks	80 (Theory) + 20 (Internal Assessment)
Time Allowed	3 Hours
Type of Resource	Official CBSE Sample Papers with Solutions (PDF)
Exam Year	2025-26 (Latest Pattern)

Why Practice CBSE Class 12 English Sample Papers?

Exact Exam Pattern – The questions are framed based on the latest CBSE guidelines.
High-Quality Questions – The standard of questions matches that of the actual board exam.
Boosts Confidence – Once you solve these papers, you’ll find the actual exam questions easier to attempt.
Improves Time Management – Attempting the papers in a 3-hour setting helps you learn how to complete the exam within time.
Self-Assessment – With provided solutions, you can evaluate your answers and improve writing skills.

When Should You Start Solving Sample Papers?

Many students wait until they finish the full syllabus. That’s not the right approach. Instead:

As soon as you complete any chapter (literature, writing, or reading), start solving related questions from sample papers.
Once your syllabus is complete, attempt full sample papers in a 3-hour exam-like condition.
After finishing each paper, compare with solutions to check where you need to improve.

Also See: CBSE Class 12 Business Studies (BST) Sample Papers 2025 with Solutions PDF Download

This step-by-step method ensures continuous practice and reduces last-minute exam stress.

CBSE Class 12 English (Core) Question Paper Pattern – 2025-26

Subject: English Core (Code No. 301)
Class: XII
Time Allowed: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 80

General Instructions:

This question paper has 13 questions. All questions are compulsory.
The paper contains three sections:
- Section A: Reading Skills
- Section B: Creative Writing Skills
- Section C: Literature
Attempt all questions based on the instructions for each part. Write the correct question number and sub-part clearly in your answer sheet.
Follow separate instructions given with each question/part wherever necessary.
Adhere to the prescribed word limit while answering.

Marks Distribution of Question Paper (2025-26)

Section	Area Tested	Marks
A	Reading Skills	22
B	Creative Writing Skills	18
C	Literature [Prose/Poetry/Drama]	40
Total		80

Why are CBSE official sample papers important for Class 12 English preparation?

Official sample papers are created by CBSE and closely follow the latest exam pattern and marking scheme. Practicing these papers helps you understand the type of questions expected, their difficulty level, and how to manage time effectively in the exam. It’s the best way to familiarize yourself with the real exam and boost confidence.

Can I start practicing sample papers before completing the entire syllabus?

Absolutely! It is highly recommended to practice questions from sample papers chapter-wise as soon as you complete each chapter. This steady practice helps reinforce concepts and avoids last-minute cramming.

Should I rely solely on sample papers for board exam preparation?

Sample papers are essential, but they should be part of a broader study plan. Make sure to read your NCERT textbooks thoroughly, solve previous year papers, and revise important concepts and writing skills regularly.

Also See: CBSE Class 12 Computer Science Sample Papers with Solutions – Official PDFs

How many sample papers should I practice before the board exam?

Ideally, solve at least 5-7 official sample papers evenly spread over your preparation timeline. This ensures enough practice across different question types and also builds stamina for the exam.

CBSE Class 12 English Sample Papers with Solutions (PDF Download)

Here you can download official CBSE sample papers with their marking scheme and solutions in PDF format:

Year	Sample Paper	Marking Scheme
2025-26	Download	Download
2024-25	Download	Download
2023-24	Download	Download
2022-23	Download	Download
2021-22 Term 1	Download	Download
2021-22 Term 2	Download	Download
2020-21	Download	Download
2019-20	Download	Download
2018-19	Download	Download
2017-18	Download	Download
2016-17	Download	Download

Also See: CBSE Class 12 English PYQ with Solutions PDF Download

What is the difference between sample papers and previous year question papers (PYQs)?

Sample papers are released by CBSE in advance to guide students on the exam pattern and difficulty level. PYQs are actual questions asked in past board exams. Both are important: sample papers predict the structure while PYQs reflect real exam trends.

Where can I find reliable literature questions and important questions for Class 12 English?

For focused practice on literature questions, including important questions from prose, poetry, and drama, visit this dedicated resource: Class 12 Important English Questions. It will help you prepare effectively for the literature section.

How should I use the solutions provided with sample papers?

After attempting a paper, use the provided solutions for self-assessment. Check your answers for accuracy, understand the marking scheme, and note down areas where you lost marks to improve those specific parts.

Also See: CBSE Class 12 Biology Sample Paper with Solutions PDF Download

Are the questions in the board exam exactly the same as in sample papers?

The board exam questions will be similar in style, pattern, and difficulty but not exactly the same. Sample papers give a very good idea of what to expect, so practicing them thoroughly prepares you well.

Can I practice sample papers digitally, or should I print them?

Both ways work well. However, printing papers and writing answers by hand closely simulates the actual exam and improves handwriting and presentation skills.

Recommended Books for CBSE Class 12 English Sample Papers

Here are some recommended books for CBSE Class 12 English sample papers that students can buy to prepare effectively. These books include official and expert-curated sample papers with solutions and follow the latest CBSE syllabus and pattern:

Bestseller #1